Explore every episode of the podcast Believe in People
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Henry Beercock: Binge Drinking, Business, Burnout & AlcoHull Free - Join the Sober Rebellion | 14 Jul 2025 | 01:19:45 | |
In this energising and unfiltered conversation, we meet Henry Beercock, founder of Hull’s growing sober movement Alcohull Free. After nearly two decades of heavy binge drinking, Henry made a bold decision: he gave up alcohol, left his corporate career, and radically transformed his life from the inside out. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 69 | Alexis Ffrench x Believe in People Podcast Collaboration: Classical Connections, Apple Music & Believe | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:14:26 | |
Apple Music x Believe in People: A Classical Connections Feature In this special collaboration, Believe in People host Matthew Butler is featured on Classical Connections, the Radio Academy Award-winning podcast hosted by renowned pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench. Originally broadcast on Apple Music, this episode forms part of the acclaimed 60-Second Sonata segment, where Alexis listens to a personal story and responds by composing a bespoke piece of music. Inspired by Butler’s reflections on trauma, addiction, and hope, Ffrench created a new original composition titled “Believe” - a piano piece that captures the emotional gravity of the conversation. In the conversation, Butler traces the origins of the Believe in People podcast and shares how his perceptions of addiction were transformed by speaking with hundreds of individuals in recovery. What emerges is an honest and sometimes difficult exploration of what leads people to substance use, the deeply personal nature of "rock bottom," and the power of simply listening without judgement. In a generous move to help expand the conversation around recovery, Apple Music has donated both the composition “Believe” and the full interview audio for wider use within the recovery community. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 60 | Amy Goldberg & Caitlin Morrison: Believe in People America – Matthew Butler Meets the Matthew Perry Foundation | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:34:01 | |
In this powerful transatlantic collaboration, Believe in People host Amy Goldberg welcomes our UK counterpart Matt Butler into the guest seat alongside special guest host Caitlin Morrison - sister of the late Matthew Perry and driving force behind the Matthew Perry Foundation - for a deeply personal conversation on recovery, resilience, and legacy. Together, they explore how storytelling dismantles stigma, how lived experience shapes advocacy, and how one man’s journey - from working behind the scenes in addiction services to becoming a podcast host - reflects a broader mission to inspire hope and change. Learn more about the hosts and their work:
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 59 | Tom Fitzsimons: 3,073 Miles to Redemption – Alcoholism, Ultramarathons & Cowboy Pastors | 14 Jan 2025 | 01:20:54 | |
Matt sits down with ultramarathon runner Tom Fitzsimons, whose extraordinary journey from alcohol addiction to running 3,073 miles across the U.S. in 100 days is a powerful testament to human resilience. Through candid storytelling, Tom shares how running became his lifeline—a way to reclaim identity, process trauma, and inspire others. From training in front of a fireplace to surreal encounters on America’s loneliest highways, he reflects on the emotional toll of addiction, the healing power of movement, and the strangers who shaped his path. This episode challenges stigma and celebrates recovery, reminding us that purpose can be found in even the most painful places. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 58 | Sarah Hicks: Assault, Advocacy & The Fight To Change Systems – Violence Against Women | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:52:11 | |
In the second part of this powerful two-part episode, Matt continues his conversation with Sarah Hicks as she reflects on her journey through trauma, justice, and recovery. Sarah shares her experience of surviving sexual assault and the lasting psychological impact it had on her life, speaking with unflinching honesty about the systemic barriers she faced in seeking justice. As she recounts the challenges within legal and investigative systems, Sarah also highlights her transformation into a passionate advocate, working with the Violence Against Women and Girls Independent Advisory Group and serving as a lived experience coordinator. This episode is a sobering and inspiring exploration of resilience, reform, and the vital role of survivor-led advocacy. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 57 | Sarah Hicks: Gaslighting, Grief & Generational Pain – Surviving Trauma & Reclaiming Life | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:57:57 | |
In this in-depth two-part episode, Matt sits down with Sarah Hicks for a raw and reflective conversation that spans addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief, and recovery. Sarah opens up about her early experiences with substance use, the damaging effects of coercive control, and the emotional toll of loss and abandonment. Together, they explore how generational patterns, societal norms, and codependency shaped her understanding of love and self-worth. With honesty and insight, Sarah shares her path through pain, the complexities of motherhood, and her eventual journey toward healing and transformation. This episode offers a deeply nuanced look at the intersection of addiction, mental health, family dynamics, and stigma—and what it means to reclaim your life on your own terms. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 56 | Zoe: Substances, Sabotage & ADHD – British Youth, Hospitality Culture & the Road to Recovery | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:34:49 | |
Matt speaks with Zoe, whose powerful story charts a path through substance misuse, undiagnosed ADHD, and trauma toward recovery and renewal. Growing up in an environment where drug use was normalised, Zoe began using cannabis at 12, later turning to alcohol, pills, and toxic relationships as coping mechanisms. She reflects on the pressures of working in high-stress kitchens, where substance use was embedded in the culture, and shares how a domestic violence incident and the temporary loss of contact with her child became a life-altering turning point. Through therapy, self-reflection, and support, Zoe has begun to break intergenerational cycles and reclaim a future for herself and her son. This candid conversation offers a nuanced look at how addiction is often rooted in trauma and mental health, and why compassion and comprehensive support are crucial to lasting recovery. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 55 | Chris Tait: Detroit, Drink & Disconnection – Electric Six, Sobriety & the Music Industry Reckoning | 28 Nov 2024 | 01:24:08 | |
What happens when the highs of the music industry collide with the depths of addiction? In this compelling episode, Matt speaks with Chris Tait - keyboardist for Electric Six and founder of Passenger Recovery - about his journey from self-destruction to community-driven transformation. Chris reflects on his teenage use of alcohol as a coping tool, the culture of excess that permeates the music industry, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek recovery. Now the founder of Passenger Recovery, a Detroit-based organisation supporting musicians and creatives in sobriety, Chris channels his lived experience into advocacy, peer support, and purpose-led action. The episode also spotlights Metropolis Records: A Call to Action, a campaign honouring the late Dave Heckman by raising funds to help musicians in recovery. Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that behind the glamour of the stage, real people struggle—and healing begins when we start to talk about it. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 54 | Shev Nuttall: Pints, Parenthood & Patterns – Pub Culture & the Rise of Sober Festivals | 23 Nov 2024 | 00:55:05 | |
Matt jumps straight in at the deep end as Shev opens up about the weight of adult responsibilities thrust upon her from a young age, including becoming a mother at just 17. In this heartfelt and unflinching conversation, Shev reflects on the emotional wounds of abandonment, the complexity of family relationships, and how addiction quietly took hold while working in the pub industry. She challenges the stigma of single motherhood and shares her determination to rewrite her narrative, finding strength through community, family support, and the rising sober movement. This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and how recovery can pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 53 | Tom Norcliffe: Psychosis, Paranoia & Cocaine – Battles with the Bottle & The Will To Live | 15 Nov 2024 | 01:04:23 | |
Join Matt for a gripping and emotional conversation with Tom, a former talent agent whose high-flying lifestyle in central London masked a devastating struggle with cocaine addiction. Tom recounts the harrowing moment he realised he was using drugs while bringing his new-born daughter home - a wake-up call that forced him to confront the grip addiction had on his life. Reflecting on his own childhood, Tom explores the psychological toll of drug-induced psychosis, self-blame, and the destructive cycle of addiction. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares the painful road to recovery, from despair and relapse to the intervention that led him to rehab and healing. At its heart, Tom’s story is one of redemption - highlighting the power of empathy, the necessity of support, and the unwavering drive to reconnect with what matters most. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 52 | Ollie Dent: Cannabis, Withdrawal & Waking Up – Isolation & the Quiet Strength of Recovery | 12 Nov 2024 | 01:11:59 | |
Matt is joined by Ollie for a raw and introspective conversation tracing his journey from early childhood trauma to recovery. After losing his mother at just eight years old and navigating the fallout of his father’s 22-year prison sentence at fifteen, Ollie turned to cannabis as a coping mechanism - eventually becoming heavily dependent and identifying as a self-proclaimed “weed connoisseur.” He candidly reflects on how his rationalisation masked the deep mental health toll, including psychotic episodes and profound emotional isolation. Smoking from morning to night, his life became shaped by addiction. Now in recovery, Ollie challenges the widespread perception of cannabis as harmless, offering a powerful reminder that its impact - particularly on mental health - can be just as serious as that of any other substance. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 51 | Andre Edmund: Murder, Addiction & 31 Years Inside – Gang Violence, Redemption & Corruption | 01 Nov 2024 | 01:11:15 | |
Join Matt for an extraordinary conversation with Andre, whose story spans over three decades in a Los Angeles prison following convictions for armed robbery and murder. Opening with a raw account of the grief, addiction, and desperation that drove his actions, Andre offers a gripping exploration of life inside the U.S. prison system—marked by gang violence, racial segregation, and institutional corruption. What sets this episode apart is Andre’s profound introspection, as he reflects on the choices that shaped his past and the spiritual awakening that helped him survive. Now living in the UK after deportation, Andre speaks candidly about the challenges of reintegration, the trauma of incarceration, and his mission to give back through mentorship and entrepreneurship. This powerful episode is a testament to the human capacity for change and offers vital insight into the intersections of addiction, justice, and redemption. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 68 | Andy Woodward - The Whistleblower Who Changed Sports History Forever (Part 1) | 01 Jul 2025 | 01:19:21 | |
In the first of a powerful two-part conversation, Andy Woodward joins Believe in People to recount the beginning of a journey that would ultimately expose one of the biggest scandals in British sporting history. A former professional footballer, Andy was the first to go public with his experience of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Barry Bennell, a youth coach whose crimes were concealed for decades by a culture of silence within football. With striking honesty, Andy describes how predators like Bennell groom not only children but entire families, building trust to enable long-term abuse. He explains how the “position of trust” was weaponised, and how the sport’s insular, protective culture became a fortress - one that prioritised clubs over children and reputation over truth. This episode also explores the wider emotional toll of Andy’s early experiences, including the haunting connection between his abuser and the man who murdered his aunt, a trauma that reverberated across his family and shaped much of his adult life. Part one lays bare the origins of a profound personal reckoning. It sets the stage for part two, where Andy will speak candidly about the years of pain, addiction, and eventual healing that followed - a testament to how deeply childhood trauma can ripple through a life, and how recovery begins by speaking the truth. 🎧 Part two of Andy’s story continues next week. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 50 | Emma Plant: Ecstasy to Overdose – Heroin, Maternal Struggles & Naloxone Awakening | 27 Sep 2024 | 01:02:25 | |
Join Matt as he sits down with Emma, whose powerful and unflinching account traces a journey through addiction that began at just 11 years old. Growing up in a family shaped by substance use - her father’s addiction and her grandmother’s role as a local drug dealer - Emma’s path quickly escalated from early experimentation to heroin and crack cocaine dependency by 23. She shares pivotal and harrowing moments, including a public overdose and being revived with naloxone, offering a stark portrait of addiction’s physical and emotional toll. With honesty and insight, Emma confronts the deep shame and stigma that often surround substance misuse, while calling for greater compassion and understanding in how we view those in recovery. Her story is a moving testament to resilience and the urgent need to humanise the conversation around addiction. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 49 | Johnny Borrell: Razorlight & Recovery – Teenage Heroin & Championship Manager | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:26:04 | |
Johnny Borrell - guitarist, singer, and frontman of Razorlight - joins Matt for an honest and introspective conversation about teenage heroin addiction, the road to recovery, and the stigma surrounding substance use in the music industry. Johnny shares the emotional fallout of being removed from his band due to drug use and how a combination of supportive relationships and the unlikely refuge of Championship Manager helped him begin to rebuild. Reflecting on the intense pressures of recording Razorlight’s debut album, he discusses a subsequent relapse and the broader misconceptions about addiction in the music world, particularly within the festival scene. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of recovery in the public eye and the strength it takes to reclaim both personal identity and creative purpose. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 48 | Adam Maxted: Life After Love Island, Steroids & Wrestling - Big Flex Fame, WWE & Mental Health Advocacy | 26 Jul 2024 | 01:23:48 | |
Adam Maxted - professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star - joins Matt for an unfiltered conversation about life in the spotlight, the pursuit of physical perfection, and the emotional complexities behind public success. From his early days navigating a limited wrestling scene in Ireland to the explosive fame that followed his appearance on Love Island, Adam shares the highs and lows of a career shaped by sudden recognition, body image pressures, and the creation of his larger-than-life persona, “Big Flex.” He opens up about the impact of steroid use, missed opportunities like a WWE contract, and the challenges of staying grounded amidst fame and rejection. Together, they unpack the realities of instant gratification culture, the stigmas around help-seeking in hyper-masculine spaces, and the value of personal responsibility and growth. Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, discipline, and self-acceptance are key to redefining success beyond the glare of public expectation. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 47 | Ambrose Brown: Hep C, Heroin & Hope – Prison, Peer Support & The Micro-Elimination Mission | 26 Jul 2024 | 01:03:45 | |
Matt sits down with Ambrose, a leading voice in the recovery community, for a powerful conversation tracing his journey from severe substance misuse to health, purpose, and advocacy. Ambrose candidly shares his experience with a wide range of substances - including alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, benzos, and heroin - initially used to cope with social anxiety and emotional discomfort. His story unfolds through a series of devastating lows, from incarceration and relationship breakdowns to suicidal ideation, ultimately revealing the complex and layered nature of addiction. A turning point came through the power of peer support, which Ambrose credits as vital to his recovery. Now working with the Hepatitis C Trust, he channels his lived experience into education, outreach, and the national mission to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. This episode is a testament to personal responsibility, resilience, and the transformative impact of community-led recovery. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 46 | Harriette Cantona: Alcohol Aged 10, Self-Harm Survival, Sexual Abuse, Discovering Autism, Overcoming Trauma & A Future In Conservation | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:59:53 | |
WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, including graphic descriptions of violence and trauma. Starting to drink at just 10 years old, Harriette bravely recounts her youth in a household shattered by her father's alcoholism and her mother's involvement in abusive relationships. Whilst she was in primary school, her weekends involved consuming alcohol, reflecting a need to escape from the difficult circumstances at home. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #45 - Chris Sylvester - Heroin Aged 12, Crime, Trauma, Accountability, Hepatitis C, Cocaine, Manipulation, Homelessness, Drug Dealing, Working the 12 Steps & The Power of Second Chances | 20 May 2024 | 01:30:31 | |
Matt is in conversation with former child heroin addict and Getting Clean founder, Chris Sylvester, whose descent into addiction began at just 12 years old. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 44 | Michelle Heaton: Fame, Fear & Fighting Back – Addiction, Body Shaming & Sobriety Survival | 03 May 2024 | 01:18:58 | |
Emmy and BRIT award-winning singer Michelle Heaton returns to Believe in People to mark three years of sobriety with a candid and inspiring conversation about recovery, resilience, and reinvention. Michelle opens up about the raw realities of addiction and the transformative power of sustained sobriety, offering heartfelt reflections on balancing motherhood, self-care, and the ongoing work of personal growth. She shares her experience sponsoring others, navigating the ever-present risk of relapse, and celebrating hard-earned milestones. From missed career opportunities during active addiction to her recent appearances on Celebrity SAS and Dancing On Ice, Michelle gives a behind-the-scenes look at life in the spotlight. With honesty and strength, she discusses the pressures of fame, body image, and self-worth - revealing how she now prioritises authenticity over perfection in both her public and private life. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 43 | Amy Jo Johnson: Alcohol Free & Loving Life – Pink Power Ranger To Wellness Advocate | 11 Apr 2024 | 01:18:24 | |
Matt is joined by Amy Jo Johnson - actress, singer, writer, and filmmaker best known as the original Pink Ranger from the 90s phenomenon Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. Amy Jo opens up about her decision to live alcohol-free, framing it not as a burden but as a liberating and life-affirming choice. She reflects on a childhood shaped by growing up in a religious cult and her father’s struggle with alcoholism, revealing how these formative experiences influenced her personal evolution and creative journey. This candid episode explores themes of identity, autonomy, and healing, offering listeners a powerful reminder that choosing sobriety can be a profound act of self-empowerment. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 41 | Young: Heroin, House Music & Healing – Smuggling, Acid House & Spiritual Surrender | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:47:43 | |
Matt is in conversation with Young, whose powerful and chaotic journey through addiction began at just 11 years old and spiralled into a life fuelled by crack, cocaine, alcohol, and eventually heroin. Immersed in the Acid House scene and rising to global prominence as a DJ, Young masked a deepening substance dependency while navigating a double life as a drug smuggler and dealer. His story unravels the seductive illusion of control, revealing the cost of adrenaline-charged highs and the despair of gang involvement and repeated failed attempts at recovery. Now sober and working as a counsellor at Ark House Rehab, Young speaks candidly about his transformation through the 12-step programme and the redemptive power of service. His insights into the ripple effects of recovery, both personal and societal, offer a raw and resonant portrait of addiction as a universal struggle—and recovery as a deeply human triumph. If you liked this episode then you'll also love Young's second appearance in episode 67 👇 Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #40 - Grand Dame Carol Black: UK Drug Policy, Recovery Pathways, Addiction Workforce Challenges, Mental Health Integration & Trauma Informed Care | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:38:34 | |
Matt welcomes back Professor Dame Carol Black for her second appearance on the Believe in People Podcast. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 67 | Young Lee: Recovery vs. Recovered - Fatherhood, Identity & The Spiritual Path | 26 May 2025 | 01:11:28 | |
In this gripping return to Believe in People, Young Lee opens up about what happens after the chaos of addiction — when the drugs are gone, the dust has settled, and the real work begins. Once a rising star in the music scene, Young shares how losing everything forced him to rebuild from scratch — not just a life, but a self. Through daily spiritual practice, honest service, and the quiet discipline of presence, he’s found a deeper kind of freedom — one rooted not in status or success, but in being truly useful. This isn’t just a story of surviving addiction — it’s a raw, unflinching look at the spiritual journey of being recovered. Young speaks with moving clarity about earning back trust from his children, breaking the illusion of control, and staying grounded in a world that pulls us in every direction. If you’ve ever wondered what recovery really looks like years down the line — this episode is your answer. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, telling the truth, and choosing peace, one day at a time. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #39 - Ian: Developing Alcohol Dependence In Retirement, Relationship Strains, The Physical Battle With Addiction & The Path To Recovery | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:42:12 | |
Discover Ian's post-retirement journey in our latest episode. Dive into the challenges of newfound freedom and the silent battle against alcohol dependency. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #38 - Hannah: Sober Butterfly Collective, British Drinking Culture, Authentic Friendships & Healing Homes | 07 Mar 2024 | 01:07:19 | |
Ever found yourself caught in the relentless cycle of social binge drinking and wondered if there's another way to live? That's the very crossroad our guest, Hannah from the Sober Butterfly Collective, encountered before transforming her life. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #37 - Joe Cator: Hull FC, Hull KR, Men's Mental Health, Responsible Drinking & Life After Rugby | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:55:20 | |
Matt delves into the remarkable journey of Joe Cator, navigating the highs and lows of professional rugby while grappling with the intricacies of men's mental health and responsible drinking. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #36 - Ruth: Alcohol Dependency, Cancer, Triggers, Drinking Behaviours & Exclusive Access To Her Personal Alcohol Diary | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:51:20 | |
Matt delves into Ruth's courageous journey battling alcohol dependency while facing the formidable challenge of a cancer diagnosis. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #35 - Claira Hermet: Social Anxiety, Sober Nights Out, Misogyny Grifting, Eating Disorders, The Orgasm Gap & Her Role as a Social Media Influencer | 08 Dec 2023 | 01:03:14 | |
Matt and Claira embark on a profound exploration of the human experience in this episode, delving into the intricate dynamics of social anxiety, navigating sober nights out, and grappling with a decade-long battle against an eating disorder.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #34 - Andy Pea: Imposter Syndrome, Community Murals, Co-Production, Representing Hidden Voices & 10 Million People A Year Seeing His Artwork | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:46:48 | |
Matt engages in a dynamic discussion with Hull's esteemed community artist, Andy Pea. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #33- John: Heroin Addiction, Trauma, Stigma, Prison, Withdrawal, Harm Reduction & Injecting Heroin Into His Penis | 24 Nov 2023 | 01:15:50 | |
Matt delves into a heartfelt conversation with John, a resilient Hull native whose journey transcends addiction to embody the essence of resilience. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #32 - Robin Ince: Bibliomaniac, Moomins, ADHD, Writing Comedy, Anxiety, Neurodiversity, Ricky Gervais, Octopus Sex Arms & Talking About Suicide Openly | 10 Nov 2023 | 01:09:02 | |
Matt delves into Robin's remarkable talent for blending comedy with science, all while championing rational inquiry through candid discussions on pressing societal issues. Robin's unique approach bridges the gap between humour and serious topics, as he fearlessly tackles subjects such as homelessness, addiction, suicide, and the pervasive stigmas surrounding them. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #31 - Matt Downie MBE: Crisis, Ending Homelessness, Rough Sleeping, Sex Work, Hostels, Affordable Housing, Rogue Landlords & The 1824 Vagrancy Act | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:51:54 | |
Matt engages in a profound conversation with Matt Downie MBE, Chief Executive of Crisis, the national charity for homeless people. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #29 - Mariana: Menopause, Perimenopause, Drug & Alcohol Training, Argentina, Methadone, Injecting Lemons & Pouring Milk On Her Cat Food | 17 Oct 2023 | 01:15:27 | |
Matt engages in conversation with Mariana, a respected figure in Drug and Alcohol Awareness Community Training. As they delve into the conversation, they stress the significance of community engagement and support systems in effectively tackling substance misuse. From exploring Mariana's roots in Argentina's cultural context to addressing methods for identifying drug use in professional settings, the episode offers valuable guidance on navigating addiction and accessing support services efficiently. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 66 | Ross McAndrew: Suicide & Sobriety – From Losing His Father to Leading With Andy’s Man Club | 23 May 2025 | 01:15:11 | |
Ross joins the podcast to share his powerful journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy, following the suicide of his father - a traumatic event that profoundly shaped his mental health. We explore how Ross turned to alcohol and cocaine to suppress overwhelming grief, endured multiple suicide attempts, and reached a pivotal moment of clarity during hospitalisation. His recovery story is rooted in the transformative impact of sobriety and the critical role of peer support. Through his involvement with Andy’s Man Club, Ross found a renewed sense of purpose in creating space for men to speak openly, confront trauma, and support one another without judgment. This conversation delves into themes of emotional resilience, the social conditioning of masculinity, and the healing potential of community-led recovery. We also discuss the moment Ross met the paramedic who saved his life, and how full-circle experiences like these reinforce the value of second chances. Ross’s story is a compelling reminder that silence is not strength—and that choosing to speak out can be the first step toward real, lasting change. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, addiction, or overwhelming emotions, please contact Samaritans at 116 123, or visit Andy’s Man Club to find a local group. 🗣️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide, addiction, and mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #28 - Elly: Harm Reduction, Crack Use, Snowballing, Safer Injecting, Cannabis, Ketamine & Drug Myth Busting | 23 Aug 2023 | 01:06:29 | |
Matt and Elly embark on an exploration into the realm of harm reduction. Listeners are treated to Elly's discussion on her new bitesize training sessions, where she demystifies crack use, examines the associated risks, and offers guidance on safer injecting practices. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #27 - Maizie Williams, Ongina, Tinchy Stryder & Ash Palmisciano: Mental Wellbeing, Challenging HIV Related Stigma, Pride in Hull, Boney M, Emmerdale, Black Mirror & Transgender Awareness | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:14:25 | |
Matt is backstage at Pride in Hull 2023. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #26 - Andy Train: Embracing Body Image, Catfishing, FOMO, Addiction, The Living Statue World Championships, InterPride & Pride in Hull | 21 Jul 2023 | 01:34:48 | |
Matt talks to Andy Train, Creative Director & Vice Chair of Pride in Hull, an InterPride Global Advisory Council Member for the British Isles, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and the current The Living Statue World Champion. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #25 - Jill: Alcohol Addiction, Suicide Attempts, Relapse, Rehabilitation, Recovery, Aftercare, Family Strength, The Forward Trust & Empty Nest Syndrome | 07 Jul 2023 | 01:16:12 | |
Matt delves into Jill's profound journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, surviving suicide attempts, navigating relapse, and finding renewal through recovery. Matt and Jill also explore the critical role of organisations like The Forward Trust, which provide a guiding light for those seeking recovery. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #24 - Kevin Kennedy: Alcohol Culture, Addiction, Coronation Street, The West End & 25 Years in Recovery | 19 Jun 2023 | 01:09:39 | |
Matt is joined by Kevin Kennedy, actor and musician, best known for playing the character Curly Watts for 20 years in ITV's long-running television soap opera Coronation Street.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #22 - Braidey: Newly Qualified Nursing, Student Placements, Work-Life Balance, Professional Expectations & Nursing in the Community | 11 May 2023 | 00:35:58 | |
Matt is joined by Braidey, a newly qualified nurse in addiction services. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #23 - Connor Gregory: Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol, Recovery, Trauma & How Wrestling Saved His Life | 10 May 2023 | 01:11:48 | |
Matt is joined by Connor Gregory, commonly known as British Wrestling stand out and current BWR Cruiserweight Champion, Scotty Rawk. Connor’s journey as an indie wrestler is not just about his physical abilities as a high-flying, risk-taking daredevil of an entertainer, but also his mental fortitude and how he has overcome personal struggles with alcohol, anxiety, suicide attempts and depression. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #21 - Bea: Transgender, Neurodiversity, Addiction, Recovery, Wheelchair & Living with Tourette's | 04 Apr 2023 | 01:32:02 | |
Matt is joined by Bea, a Transgender woman, former Miss Transgender UK, and activist for Trans, neurodiversity, and disability rights. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #20 - Pete: Heroin, Drug Culture, Trauma, The Great Binge & The Hierarchy of Drug Users. | 24 Mar 2023 | 01:14:28 | |
Matt is joined by Pete and they candidly discuss the journey throughout his addiction to heroin and his lifestyle in recovery, Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #19 - Nadine: Parenting, Partying, Autism, Methadone, TikTok, Trauma & A 17 Year Heroin Addiction | 24 Feb 2023 | 00:40:25 | |
Matt is joined by Nadine and they candidly discuss the journey throughout her addiction to heroin and her lifestyle in recovery, including; becoming a new parent, understanding her autism and sharing her lived experiences with Methadone through TikTok Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 65 | Woody Albrow: Butane, Breakdown & Belief – A Journey Through Trauma & Transformation | 10 Apr 2025 | 01:02:26 | |
Matt speaks with Woody, the National Connecting Communities Lead at Change Grow Live, who shares a candid account of his journey through addiction, recovery, and professional development. Woody reflects on the early signs of substance use in his teens and the emotional undercurrents that led him to rely on substances as a coping mechanism. He discusses his progression through various drugs, including butane gas, cannabis, hallucinogens, and ultimately alcohol, which became his most destructive dependency. Woody describes the personal impact of addiction on his life, including strained family relationships, disconnection from his children, and the loss of his physical and emotional wellbeing. He talks about hitting rock bottom, including a significant turning point involving arrest and hospitalisation, which prompted him to seek detox and begin a new phase of recovery. Woody speaks with honesty about the shame, isolation, and denial that often accompany substance misuse. A significant part of Woody’s recovery has been grounded in spirituality, nature, and meaningful connection with others. He shares how his introduction to a spiritual philosophy helped replace his dependency on substances with a sense of purpose and guidance. He also emphasises the vital role of the recovery community and the importance of peer support in sustaining long-term wellbeing. Now in a leadership position, Woody explores the challenges and opportunities of being open about lived experience within professional settings. He reflects on stigma, disclosure, and the need to shift organisational cultures to recognise the value of lived experience as an asset. This episode offers insight into personal growth, systemic change, and the power of recovery to transform lives. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #18: Emma Hardy MP: Stigma, Addiction, Education, Parliament, Endometriosis & Poverty Premium | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:55:41 | |
Matt is joined by Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| 17 | Michelle Heaton: Recovery, Relapse & Reality TV – Liberty X, Menopause & Mastering Boundaries | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:51:15 | |
Matt is joined by Emmy and BRIT Award-winning singer Michelle Heaton, best known as a member of the pop group Liberty X. In April 2021, Michelle bravely entered rehab to confront her battle with addiction — a decision that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Now 21 months sober, she reflects on the realities of recovery and shares the tools that have helped her live a healthy, balanced life. In this heartfelt episode, Michelle discusses the importance of setting boundaries in social situations, the power of peer support, and the strength it takes to ask for help. She opens up about her preventative double mastectomy and hysterectomy after testing positive for the BRCA gene, and how those life-altering decisions shaped her outlook on health and resilience. From navigating public life in recovery to taking on the challenge of Dancing on Ice, Michelle offers honest, practical advice for anyone facing adversity — and proves that lasting change is possible. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #15 - Dr Helen Hawes GP: Opiates, Addiction, Religion, Abortion, Primary Care, Pain Management & Being a GP in Hull | 23 Dec 2022 | 00:44:39 | |
Matt talks to Dr Helen Hawes GP about her route into the profession, managing pain for a person with an opiate addiction, life choices, religion, abortion, diversifying the workforce and a holistic approach to patient care. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||
| #14 - Darren: The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous, Opiate Addiction & Championing Recovery | 20 Dec 2022 | 00:49:54 | |
Matt talks to Darren about his journey from taking his first substance aged nine - right through to present day and his time with Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. 📩 Contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com 🔗 Listen & Subscribe 🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler | |||